Alpha®
Alpha®
The Estes Alpha has been the first rocket for millions for over 50+ years! This easy-to-build, high perfomance rocket is the perfect model to get you started. Simple, dependable, great looks and excellent performance. The Alpha has it all!
$20.99
Availability: In stock
For This Rocket
What you need to launch
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When a rocket has been sold to millions of model rocketeers for over three decades, there has to be a reason. With its high quality components, easy assembly and reliable performance, the Estes Alpha has become the all time leading entry level rocket! If you are brand new to rocketry, this is the place to start. The Alpha is a great introduction to sanding and painting, making it a perfect step up from one of our ready to fly plastic kits. Even if you are a master rocketeer, you will find nostalgic joy in building and launching this Estes classic! Many of our customers purchase multiple Alpha’s, and using different paint schemes, build an entire Alpha fleet. How cool is that?
Building this awesome rocket takes about an afternoon and flying is just as easy and enjoyable. When powered with a C engine, the rocket can reach cloud topping altitudes of 1000 feet. Recovery of this aerodynamic wonder is accomplished with a colorful 12 inch parachute. The Alpha is the best place to start for young rocket enthusiasts. Teachers and group leaders looking for exciting STEM (Science Technology Education Math) activities should look no further than the Alpha Bulk Pack to introduce students to the world of rocketry. This rocket will get any student hooked on rocketry.
Its suggested color scheme and classy red, white and blue decals are as American as you can get. You’ll feel patriotic building this sleek and colorful rocket as well as flying it. The Alpha has been a staple in the Estes catalog for years, and will be for generations to come. The reason? It is easy to build, looks awesome, and is a great performer on the launch site. You can’t ask for a better starter rocket, so get an Alpha and start flying today!
WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD: Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter’s glue, hobby knife, masking tape, primer (white), paint (red, white). (Tools, construction and finishing supplies not included.)
WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller, Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller (not included).
WARNING
001225
| Recommended Engines | 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7 |
|---|---|
| Projected Max Altitude | 1000 ft. (305 m) |
| Recovery System | 12 in. (30.5 cm) Parachute |
| Length | 12.3 in. (31.2 cm) |
| Diameter | 0.98 in. (25 mm) |
| Estimated Weight | 0.8 oz. (22.7 g) |
| Estimated Assembly Time | 1 Hour (painting and glue drying time not included) |
| Fin Materials | Laser cut wood |
| Decal Type | Self-stick |
| Launch System | Porta-Pad II and Electron Beam Launch Controller |
| Launch Rod Size | 1/8" |
| Age Recommendation | Estes model rocketry is recommended for boys and girls ages 10+ with adult supervision for those under 12, and rocketeers of all ages. |
Michael –
Still a classic
I’ve been flying rockets since the 1960’s, and the Alpha has always been everybody’s starter. One quibble, though: the change of fins from balsa to plastic was a bad idea. They tend to break on impact with any hard surface, and I went through my educator bulk pack very quickly! I would suggest the E2X Bulk Pack instead. Out of 24 Generics, we have lost only 2, and NONE to fin breakage!
Just as easy to build, much sturdier, and you won’t have 12 YO kids crying because their 1st rocket broke when it hit the parking lot! ESTES NOTE: The 1225 Alpha has always been balsa fins. The Alpha III does have plastic fins though.
Gabriel –
Your First Rocket
This Rocket is simple and fun to build and launch. This is a great rocket does not take a lot of time to build and is good to learn on. Great for your first rocket build
Amado –
Awesome
This is one of those rocket that everyone starts with. Easy to build, just don’t use white glue. Use wood glue and is going to be a favorite.
Johnboy –
love the design
i love it. its nostalgic. my dad had one and he gave it to me he told me how the wooden fins always broke after every flight and how he likes plastic fins on the new rockets. i was a kid at the time and broke the rocket and over the years of launching i lost it. will never forget it. however my local hobby shop is always out of stock of these fine examples of model rocketry
Ryan –
Perfect sport rocket
It’s an Alpha – everyone needs an Alpha. It builds easily, looks sharp, and flies great on a large variety of motors. What else can you ask for? Mine is painted all white and has the red and blue decals. I really like the all white look. I also replaced the parachute with a streamer to reduce drift on descent, and the rocket handles streamer landings just fine. A perfect sport rocket and I will always have one in my collection.
rocketflier –
alpha great
The Alpha was one of my most favorite rockets I built as a kid. Wanting my children to experience the exciting world of rocketry I am planning on building this one with them. I remember sending mine up with the longest burning C engines I could buy. I was always able to find mine but we had 11 acres for the recovery, few power lines and few trees. Great 4-H project!
Gary –
Classic
A classic rocket that’s easy to build, fun to fly, and looks great. This was the first rocket I built, and I enjoyed the building almost as much as the flying. Just be careful what engine you use–it’s very easy to lose on the more powerful engines.
Ben –
overall good
This is a fun rocket for beginners. I’ve had mine for awhile, so its starting to wear out. It goes fairly high and has good colors. The only thing I would would maybe change is possibly a bigger parachute.
Leo (verified owner) –
Go Alpha
Holy smokes! Again!
C6-5 sent it out of sight. 3 up, 3 back. Last on rescued by a maple.
Only have 1 Alpha left on the shelf. Clearly need more!
A wicked great rocket
Ben Rocket –
okay
is a good rocket though on the flights of mine, it spins alot, causing the parachute to tangle up. Overall, it is a cool rocket and great for beginners.